Sallakshana Pala Deva Tomaras of Dillika (Delhi) 1120–1130 AD Billon Jital

Tomaras of Dillika (Delhi), Sallakshana Pala, Reign: c. 1120–1130 CE, Denomination: Jital, Metal: Billon, Weight: 3.24 grams, Diameter: 16 mm, Reference: Numista N#65768, Grade: About Extremely Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Recumbent bull facing left, with a club-like trishula symbol on the hump; above, the Nagari legend “Sri Samanta Deva” arranged in an arc.

Reverse: Rider bearing a lance on a caparisoned horse facing right, with three dots of harness on the horse’s rump; Nagari legend “Sri Sallakshana Pala Deva” around.

Sallakshana Pala was a ruler of the Tomara dynasty of Dillika (Delhi), which controlled the Delhi region during an important period of medieval North Indian history. The Tomaras developed Dillika into a significant political and commercial centre before the rise of later Rajput and Sultanate powers. Their coinage is particularly notable for the characteristic bull-and-horseman design, which became one of the most recognizable types of medieval North Indian currency. The use of Nagari legends naming the ruler and associated titles reflects the political and cultural traditions of the Tomara kingdom.

Coinage Note: This Billon Jital of Sallakshana Pala features the classic Tomara bull-and-horseman type. The obverse depicts the recumbent bull with a trishula-like symbol on its hump, while the reverse shows a mounted horseman carrying a lance. The Nagari legends identify Sri Samanta Deva and Sri Sallakshana Pala Deva, providing important evidence for the attribution of this issue. With its attractive design, this is a scarce and historically important example of Tomara coinage.